Tips for Hosting Saudi Business Guests

7 Tips on How to Host Business Guests and Visitors from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s drive for economic diversification is boosting the country’s international presence. With more companies investing in Saudi Arabia and vice versa, the country has become much more visible on the global stage.

This has led to an increase in the number of Saudis travelling abroad for business, which has resulted in more organisations and companies approaching us for help on how to best host their Saudi visitors.

We thought we would share some of our tips for stakeholders interacting with guests, visitors, and colleagues from Saudi Arabia.

Impress everyone at work, including your Saudi guests, with the 7 tips below!

1. Relationship Building in Saudi Business Culture Comes First

In Western business culture, there is a tendency to prioritise ‘getting the job done’ as opposed to getting to know people.

In Saudi business culture, it’s the other way around, and considerable time is invested in building trust before making traction on the business front. This is an important consideration when hosting your Saudi colleagues.

• Your relationships will be more productive if you’re able to put time aside for personal discussions and small talk.
• Coffee, lunches, and evening meals are a great way to get started.
• Avoid business talk and aim to keep these exchanges light-hearted.
• Demonstrate that you are interested in them as people and not just because they are guests or colleagues.

2. Respect Islamic Values When Planning Business Hospitality

Since religion plays an important role in Saudi life, it’s important to consider its influence when selecting your choice of entertainment.

Most Saudis are Muslim and follow Islam, which, as a religion, has certain dos and don’ts.

• Although some Saudis drink alcohol, don’t make any assumptions and do not ask people in front of other Saudis, as the answer will always be “no” (even if they do).
• If you have more conservative Saudi visitors, avoid putting alcohol on tables when eating or at least not directly in front of them.
• Many Muslims only eat ‘halal’ meat or food, so it’s best to check the dietary requirements of visitors.
• Unless you know for sure that your Saudi colleagues are not religiously inclined, then avoid pubs, bars, or nightclubs for evening entertainment.

The modern-day state of Saudi Arabia is where the religion of Islam was born. Makkah is considered the birthplace. The Ka’ba (pictured above), which is in Makkah, is believed to be the location for the first ‘house’ built to worship one God, by Abraham. Millions of Muslims visit every year for a variety of religious reasons, including the annual pilgrimage (Hajj).

3. Accommodate Prayer Times When Hosting Saudi Business Visitors

Although not all Saudis are observant Muslims, some are very observant and, as a result, pray five times a day.

This can take place at their home, the office, a mosque or even outside. At least 2 or 3 of the prayers will take place during working hours so it’s a good idea to have something prepared for your Saudi visitors.

• If possible, organise a clean and quiet room or area with no footfall which is available for prayer.
• Having a couple of prayer rugs in the room for use is a nice touch.
• Where possible, a private bathroom area that allows them to perform the requisite pre-prayer ablutions would also be a help.
• Observant male Muslims are likely to want to attend ‘Jumma’ prayers (congregational prayers) on Friday afternoons. Find out if there’s a mosque nearby and advise them accordingly.

4. Avoid Sensitive Topics in Small Talk with Saudi Colleagues

Saudis tend to be extremely friendly and open to conversation. However, a common faux pas made by Westerners is to focus on husbands, wives, and partners in small talk.

It’s best to avoid people’s love lives as it can make people feel very uncomfortable.

• Focus instead on generic topics such as soccer, travel, food, or current affairs.
• The younger generation will also be fluent in fashion, social media, gaming and pop culture.
• Saudis love to share information and insights into their own country, so ask lots of questions about their tribal roots, cuisine and major cities.
• You can also talk about plans they might have for making the most of their time in your country or their experiences so far.

5. Protect Honour and Build Trust in Saudi Business Relationships

The concept of honour is far more acute in Saudi Arabia than it is in other parts of the world. Saudis take their reputation very seriously.

Saying anything that causes them to lose face can have serious negative repercussions for the relationship.

• A common way Western hosts lose face is the lack of a welcome they give Saudi visitors – it’s important to make a fuss.
• Be careful that you don’t say anything that could be perceived as criticism or blame.
• If you want to discuss something sensitive, then do so in private and frame the conversation in a way that removes potential blame.
• Also think of ways you can ‘give face’ such as taking photos with guests, award ceremonies or taking people out to eat

If you plan on getting involved with negotiations, then you need insights and guidance on the Saudi negotiation style.

6. Understand Indirect Communication in Saudi Business Culture

The Saudi communication style can be indirect, and, unlike the Western communication style, Saudis rely much more on context and non-verbal communication.

They use body language and, rather than simply saying something, will imply it, especially if negative or delicate. Part of this is linked to the sensitivity around face and honour.

• Look out for ways in which Saudis may be trying to communicate disagreement, such as silence or phrases such as “I’ll try”.
• Never assume a “yes” means a ‘yes’ as it can be used to mean many things, including “I hear you”, “I understand” or “maybe”.
• If you ever feel that something is not quite right, trust your gut instinct and use polite, open questioning techniques to try and understand more.
• Avoid swearing around Saudi guests as they find it uncouth.

7. Be Aware of Gender Norms When Working with Saudi Professionals

Although the country is changing, traditionally, Saudi Arabia has been a gender-segregated society.

Although your Saudi guests will appreciate that things are different in your country, it’s still important to avoid potentially awkward situations.

• When meeting or greeting a Saudi visitor of the opposite gender, wait for them to offer their hand before offering your own.
• If their hand isn’t immediately forthcoming, then consider placing your right hand over your heart and giving a small nod as an alternative.
• Avoid being alone with a member of the opposite sex in a closed room. For example, if you’re a male and you wish to meet with a female Saudi colleague, then either invite another female to attend too or meet in an open space.
• Prolonged eye contact with someone of the opposite gender is considered inappropriate.

Key Tips for Hosting Saudi Business Visitors Successfully

1. Don’t forget about relationship building
2. Make appropriate entertainment choices
3. Manage prayer times and facilities
4. Avoid taboos in conversation and small talk
5. Be careful to protect and give face
6. Try to be as diplomatic as possible when communicating
7. Take note of potential issues around gender

We hope these tips will go a long way to helping you make a good impression with your Saudi visitors. Let us know how you get on!

•  Blog image by WIPO (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).
  
• Photo of Ka’ba by Ekrem Osmanoglu
• Photo of signing ceremony by ITU Pictures on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)